Was a bit apprehensive as I saw some reviews about poor service, long wait times and expensive food. However, that was not my experience. For context, I was there at around 6pm+ on a Saturday evening, and it took about 2hrs+ for the whole meal. There was a bit of a wait, but not that bad as dishes were brought out one at a time so we could also eat comfortably in the small counter space. We spent $140+ for 2 pax, with drinks each and about 5 dishes altogether. The staff was thoughtful enough to split the pasta into two portions to make it easy for me and my dining partner. Food was very delicious with a fair variety of Japanese style pasta and other izakaya dishes.
Hungry Happy
4
Food is good (like Kai Izakaya). Interesting twist of food on menu and even starter was way above other izakayas. I didn't go for the omakase but ended up with a bill that is similar if I would have gone for it. Food quality is very good and is actually more like a restaurant as it is not as causal as an izakaya. Be ready to pay. While I like the food, I imagine causal food options when I am in the mood for izakayas. Recommend this place, but don't go thinking it is "casual" or affordable. Oh yes, if you like umei soda - it is an excellent idea to order one. Tastes different from other places!
Bella F
3
I’ve been here twice. Late last year for a birthday celebration which we had pre booked. Food was a little slow, but because it was a group birthday, we didn’t seem to mind. For the second time- Walked in for dinner this week on a weekday way before 8pm, and was happy that they could accommodate us. I guess if it’s the after- work crowd coming for drinks, that’s great. But I think chef’s food is really undeniably good! With an extensive menu including yakitori on the binchotan, hand rolls, rice, etc the works! But he’s alone and the only MVP cooking.
He has one waitress and one person helping in the kitchen. Looking at their workflow, I guess the waitress takes the order, and the guy behind the counter helping chef then lets him know when to prepare what and for which cover. So that chef just doesn’t serve only one group of diners before moving to the next.
But I think therein lies the problem- because chef gets frustrated when the flow isn’t smooth, staff gets scolded in front of the diners, and in turn because the staff are afraid to speak up, there’s a lack of communication and so on.
So, we sat there from before 8pm all the way to 10.30pm and had to have dishes cancel on us because at the end, some ingredients ran out or we have to wait another 20 mins for pasta or 30 mins for rice which would then be 11pm at closing time on a work night. We saw another set of diners get the rice at 10.30pm and we were wondering how come they didn’t make 2 portions at the same time, as well?
Anyway ate a few appetizer dishes and the serving can be tiny…. 2 beers … more than $300+ SGD for 2 pax and we were still hungry :( btw that fish handroll thing in my video costs $50+ for one piece. BUT the food is good.
Long
4
Walked in and was lucky to have the last 2 seats. Very interesting food, the bill got huge due to the long wait for food so we just kept drinking. Sakes are reasonably priced. The smoked food is worth the wait.
Merlion Samuraiマーライオンサムライ
1
Do not recommend to come here if
-You want to enjoy the atmosphere and happy relaxing time (the owner keeps scolding his stuff and humiliating them. And stuff are so afraid of the owner and no smiles in the restaurant. The owner was not welcoming customers and even did not say welcome when I entered)
-You are not the fan of MSG (I witnessed he used a lot of MSGs to the dishes unlike authentic Japanese food)
-You care about hygiene (The ducts are very oily and kitchen are not well cleaned unlike Japanese restaurant, I suppose he does not clean every day)
Lastly but not least, ordered Char coal Gtilled duck, and I was expecting the raw duck meat to be grilled but it was just a grilled smoke duck. And the grill was only surface and the inside was not hot enough. What a cheat!
June Blog
5
From the start to the end, there is never one moment that I did not enjoy. Love the Smokey woody scent infused with the food.
Last part we could not finish the rice. The shallots scallops with rice was so yummy but we were too overloaded 😂😂. Everything below 👇🏻 is a MUST- ORDER 🥹🥹
Wine was shared by a super nice guy siting next to us whilst chatting about markets. Sake was amazingly smooth (no picture)
Lucas Lam
5
Amongst the treasure trove of hidden culinary gems in Orchard Plaza lies Homura by Kai, yet another hidden find nestled on the third floor.
Service was excellent, and food outstanding. A slight pity that we missed the new batch of seafood that was due to arrive tomorrow and thus a few dishes were OOS, but the rest that we had were cooked very well.
Their signature claypot rice was fragrant, full of umami and went well with the side dishes. The smoked tuna cheek was another highlight if you like smokey flavors.
The izakaya features all-counter seatings, allowing you to watch the chef at work. He did come across slightly grumpy compared to the rest of the service stuff though, not sure why.
Prices were on the slightly pricier side so be prepared to splurge a little if you are looking for a complete meal here, would otherwise highly recommend to give them a try!
You K
4
Nestled on the third floor of Orchard Plaza, this restaurant is a bit tricky to find, but the small lantern at the entrance sets a charming tone.
Inside, the restaurant features all counter seating. While the space isn’t large, it is neat and tidy. However, the lack of bag storage, the cramped seating, and the high chairs can be a bit uncomfortable.
What truly stands out here are the two remarkable staff members. The female staff member is incredibly warm, attentive, and provides delightful service with a constant smile. Equally impressive is the male staff member assisting the chef; his service is friendly and efficient, and he maintains a cheerful demeanor even during busy times.
Thanks to these two!
Now, onto the food—it was all delicious! Every dish we ordered, including the otoshi starters, exceeded our expectations.
The menu isn’t extensive, but with the daily specials, there’s plenty to choose from. Everything was delightful, especially the tantanmen, which was outstanding.
While the selection of beverages other than sake is limited, expanding this could enhance the overall dining experience.
One thing that did stand out, though, was the chef’s attitude towards his assistant. Given the counter seating, it was hard to miss the less-than-pleasant interactions. The chef’s apparent displeasure and unprofessional demeanor were noticeable.
Though the reasons behind this are unclear and could have been a one-time occurrence, it’s something that shouldn’t affect the customer experience. Professional conduct should be maintained at all times.
Aside from this, the restaurant is a fantastic spot worth visiting.
Rovik Robert
4
Good izakaya style cuisine that’s focused on seafood but also deceptively expensive. We ended up paying $300 per pax (instead of an expected $200 pp) because the price of the fish dishes were undisclosed (they’re “market price”) but ended up being quite an exorbitant amount. Some dishes stand out like the kagoshima pork agedashi and the clay pot rice but others are standard izakaya fare. Overall it’s good to go with your eyes wide open!
Chewielicious T
4
Small and cosy, food is delicious. But takes time to be served as there’s only 1 chef. High quality but pricey!
If you’re hanging with a group of friends, then it’s a great place to catch up as you chat and wait for food. If you’re hungry; this will be a super slow dinner.